Series Ancient Coins: Anonymous AR Denarius of the Roman Republic

A very interesting coin is the anonymous AR denarius of the Roman Republic, which had been minted from 157 to 156 BC shortly before the Third Punic War against Carthage began.

(Source: Bertolami Fine Arts E-Auction 38)

Obverse you see the helmeted head of Roma right and reverse Viktory driving a biga right, holding whip in right hand and reins in left hand, in exergue, ROMA, (Crawford 197/1; RCV 76).

This reverse motive is also well-known for older coins of the Greeks (Victory = Nike). Especially look to a rare coin minted under Hiero II (308 – 215 BC) the Greek Sicilian Tyrant of Syracuse from 270 to 215 BC, and the illegitimate son of Hierocles. One of the chief motives is this rare and impressive specimen (References: BAR Issue 74; HGC 2, 1546):

(Source: Auction 49 of Numismatik Naumann)

Obverse you see a diademed head left and reverse Nike driving a biga right, holding kentron and reins. The inscriptions are IEPΩNOΣ at the basement and N below the horses.

Further interesting coins will follow. Hope you're interested in this series.

Andreas